Pfeffernusse- pronounced as “feffernuse” is German word meaning “pepper nut”. These do not contain nuts ,but are nut sized which probably accounts for the name. Originating from Germany these are cute, warm aromatic cookies mostly associated with Christmas, marking the holiday season. Did you know 22 December is considered as National Pfeffernusse day? Well I made a big batch of these in December as part of an assorted cookie hamper for family and friends. Totally forgot sharing it on the blog. Well, better late than never. Let’s get stirring it up.
Ingredients
- All purpose flour- 2 1/4cup
- Cinnamon powder- 3/4tsp
- All spice powder- 1/2tsp
- Cloves powder- 1/4tsp
- Nutmeg powder- 1/4tsp
- Black pepper powder- 1/4tsp
- Baking soda- 1/4tsp
- Unsalted butter- 1/2cup(room temperature)
- Light brown sugar- 3/4cup(tightly packed)
- Molasses- 1/4cup
- Egg- 1large
- Vanilla essence- 1/2tsp
- For glaze
- Confectioners sugar- 3 1/2cup
- Milk- 1/3cup(more if needed)
Directions
- 1In a mixing bowl add the dry ingredients starting with the flour followed by black pepper, cinnamon powder, all spice powder, ground cloves powder, baking soda and nutmeg powder.
- 2In a stand mixer beat butter until creamy. Add light brown sugar and molasses. Keep beating and add vanilla essence followed by egg. Slowly add the dry ingredients in portions until everything is evenly incorporated. Cookie dough ready!
- 3Preheat oven. Line baking tray with baking sheets. Take a tsp and scoop out a dough ball and roll out a ball on your palm. Place the balls onto a baking tray. You will have about 60 pieces.( i.e 3 trays or bake it in 3 batches)
- 4Bake in 350 degree oven for 15 mins.
- For glaze
- 1Mix the confectioners sugar along with milk to get the glaze ready. Drop the baked plain cookie into the glaze frosting, ensure it’s well coated and place it on a wire rack. While they are still wet, you could embellish it further with some crushed pink peppercorns or some chocolate sprinkles. I lightly glazed few and made some zig zag patterns once it dried. Or you could paint it once the glaze is dry. Sky is the limit when it comes to embellishing these cuties. German spice cookies ready!
